Strip dispensing apparatus



March 2, 1937. J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL 2,072,136

STRIP DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed June 4, 1934 2 spews-she t c0 s A TTOQNEY March 1937- J. Q. SHERMAN El AL STRIP DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed June 4, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR y' 'TOIe/VEV V fizz? Patented Mar. 2,, H93? insist aeeaiso snare nrsenrtsme meanness .Hohn Q. Sherman and nibert W. Metaner, Etaytan, (Ethic; said it lletmer assignor to said shaman Appiication June. 3, 1934i, geriall No. "reacts (on. sea-=12) t 48 Claims.

' This invention relates to manifolding apparatus and more particularly to automatic aligning and registering means for maniiolding registers and strip feeding attachment for writing mafis chines. 1 f

. For purpose of illustration, the invention is herein shown and described as embodied ina mania of simpl but eficient strip and registering means in a container or dispens-= portable register or holder for a packet of contin- 'uous series connected detachable printed forms folded into zigzag formation and issued in superposed registering relation withportions of transfer material interleaved therebetween, ready to receive writteninscriptions. As indicative of the wide range of application of the invention, the

15 aligning and registering "means is also shown embodied in a carbon shifter attachment for a writing machine over which superposed printed forms are progressively advanced from a source I of supply to the platen roll of the writing machine. It will be obvious that the invention is not limited to either of these embodiments but may be incorporated in other forms of manifoldin'g apparatus or may be used, if desired, with single record strips for temporarily arresting the advancement thereof when predetermined lengths have been withdrawn from the supply container and so serve to locate the dispensed portions of the strip in a predetermined position relative to a-writing tablet. A

The object of the invention is to improve the construction as well as the-means and 'mode of operation of manifolding registers and other strip dispensing apparatus whereby they will not only besimple in construction and capable of being. economically manufactured, but will be more efficient in use, capable of rapid operation,

- accuratein action, and unlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide 40 automatic aligning and registering means for strips whereby accuh'ate relation ofthe'strips in I writing position may be assured A further object of the invention islto provide means for temporarily retarding the advancement of the record forms when a predetermined length has been withdrawn from a supply container or holder, and to automatically release the forms preparatory to further advancement under influence of increased pulling tension upon the forms.

A further object of the invention is to afford an appreciable signal to the operator when the forms have been advanced a predetermined,

distance. A further object of the invention is the emingapparatus of email compact form.

A further object of the invention is the appli= cation of improved aligning and registering means 5 to strip feeding and carbon shifter attachments for writing machines.

A further object oi the invention is to provide a strip dispensing apparatus having the desirable features and advantageous characteristics here- 10 inafter mentioned. 4

With the above primary and other incidental objects in'view, as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations 15 thereof, and the mode of operation, or their equivalents, as hereinafter described and. set forth in the claims.

In the drawings wherein is shownthe preferred but obviously not necessarily the onLv forms of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portable manifolding register or strip dispensing apparatus embodying the present invention, the register or container being empty. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a. portable manifolding register or dispensing tained therein showing the folds of the forms engaged by the aligning and registering device, whereby the terminal forms are positioned to re- 6 celve the written inscription. Fig. 3 is a similar view, showing the relation of the parts and the relative position of the forms during theperiod of advancement. Fig. 4 is a-perspective view of a sheet of transfer material for use in the reg- Y er. Fig. '1 is a detail perspective sectional view.';- s.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of'a strip dispenslhg apparatus and carbon shifter for a. writing machine, such as forms the subject matter of 00- 5o pending application Serial No. 703,694, filed December 23, 1933 to which the present aligning and registering device has been applied.

Like parts are indicatedby similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

' -device with a packet of zigzag folded forms con- Referring to the drawings, I is a box-like container for a packet 2 of superposed strips of series connected forms reversely folded collectively into zigzag formationand provided with transverse weakening lines 3 coincident with the successive folds upon which succeeding portions or forms may be detached from the supply strips. The container I is provided with a hinged cover 4 which affords a writing tablet over which withdrawn portions of the strips may be reversely folded into writing position and their free ends removably engaged beneath a spring finger or clip 5. The cover or writing tablet 4 is swingingly connected to the box or container I upon a transverse rod 8 extending transversely of the container and. interiorly thereof. mounted within the container or box I is a swinging.. frame comprising side plates 'I-I and a transverse pallet or plate 8. The forward edge of this plate 8 is curled upon itself to form a rounded bead or relatively blunt margin which under cer tain conditions forms a guide about which the record strips are drawn. The rearward portion of this transverse plate or pallet 8 is depressed at 8 forming a channel-like extension.

Slidingly mounted upon the transverse plate or pallet 8 for fore and aft reciprocation is a second guide plate I8 suitably connected with the pallet or plate 8 for limited to and fro motion, the forward edge of which is relatively sharp and normally projects beyond the rounded edge of the pallet or plate 8 and beyond the transverse rod 8 which forms the mounting for the writing tablet 8. This sliding guide plate I8 is yieldingly urged into such advanced position wherein it protrudes beyond the rounded edge of the guide plate or pallet 8 by a suitable spring II extending about mounting studs I2 within the depressed portion 8 of the pallet or plate 8 and engaging ears or fingers I3 projecting from the rear margin of such sliding guide'plate I8 into the said depression 8. The spring II normally holds the movable guide plate I8 in its advanced position but enables such plate to be retracted against the tension of the spring II to a position flush with or slightly beyond the rounded edge of the guide plate 8.

In lieu of the actuating spring II engageable with the dependent ears or fingers I3 upon the plate I8, such reciprocatory guide plate I8 may be formed with rearwardly extending arms I4 dispo fldin suitable guides outside the side plates 1 of the swinging frame and helical retracting margin of the secondary guide plate 8.

springs I5 may be connected at one end to the rearwardly extending arms I4 and at their opposite ends to the swinging frame for the purpose of retracting the reciprocatory guide plate f8 and projecting it beyond the rounded blunt Such construction is clearly illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6.

The-side plates 1 are formed with marginal notches I8 which are preferably slightly under,- cut to receive a transverse supporting strip ll of a sheet of transfer material I8, illustrated particularly in Fig. 4, which is to be disposed between the terminal portions of the superposed record strips comprising the packet 2 as is shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The transfer sheet I 8 is anchored within the container or box I by the engagement of Pivotally There may be any suitable number of such transfer sheets I8 anchored within the notches I8 of the swinging frame in accordance with the number of manifolded copies to be produced.

The marginal edge of the guide plate I8 when in extended position is spaced from the marginal edge of the cover or writing tablet at the opposite end of the container or box I a distance equal to the spacing of successive reverse folds of the zigzag manifolding assembly.

The terminal portions of the superposed record strips withdrawn from the packet are folded collectively reversely about the guide plates 8 and I8 as shown particularly in Figs. 2 and 3. The reversely folded portions of the strips are then interleaved with the transfer sheets I8 in such relation that one strip of the assembly extends beneath and another strip over each of the mounting strips I1 and attached transfer sheets I8, and the interleaved portions of the record strips together with the intervening sheets of transfer material are then again reversely folded over the marginal edge of the cover or writing tablet 4. Such finally folded portions and the interleaved transfer material lying upon the top of the cover or writing tablet are secured at their free ends by being tucked beneath the clasp or clamping finger 5, or hooked over projections or studs, such as shown at 28 in Fig. 6, by use of file holes in the forms as shown in Fig. 5,'as 28. In such adjusted relation of the record strips, the rearmost marginal edge of the cover or writing tablet 4 fits snugly within one fold of the zigzag manifolding assembly while the next succeeding fold thereof conforms closely to the edge of the guide plate I8 which engages within such folds. The engagement of the guide plate I8 within one of these folds ofthe strips insures close conformity of the other folds about the edge of the writing tablet and therefore accurately locates the withdrawn portions of the strips in registry and alignment with each other in writing position upon the top of the cover or writing tablet 4.

After the initial forms, overlying the top of the holder or dispensing device have been inscribed and it is desired to advance the succeeding set of forms into writing position, the inscribed forms are disengaged from the clasp or holding means and are unfolded into an extended position rearwardly away from the holder or container, and upon pulling tension being applied thereto to withdraw additional portions of the strips from the box or container I, the prevention by the folds of the sliding movement of the forms about the edge of the guide plate I8 will cause such plate to be retracted against the yielding resistance of its spring II or I5 as the case may be until the engaging margin of such plate I8 is substantially flush with the. rounded blunt margin of the secondary guide plate 8 with which the strips then engage and which acts as a stripper for disengaging the fold of the strip from the edge of the plate I8 thereby allowing the strip to advance more easily. As the fold passes beyond the margin of the plate I8 from which it is disengaged by the rounded blunt edge of the plate 8 when the retarding plate I8 is retracted, the pulling tension upon the plate I8 being thereby relieved, such plate will return automatically to its advanced position ready for reengagement with the next succeeding fold of the strips, which in the meantime being looped at such point flow easily about the edge of the plate until the fold is encountered thereby. The enaotaise gagement of the plate with the fold imposes sum cient resistance to, the movement of the strips to indicate to ,the operator that a .ifull length of form has been withdra.

During such advancement of the record strips, the transfer sheets is have been held stationary while the strips have advanced relative thereto until the previously inscribed forms are extended beyond the ends of the transfer sheets iii. The inscribed forms may then be torn ofi. The leading edge of the succeeding set of forms, having the transfer sheets it interleaved therebetween.

and reversely folded over the top of the writing tablet 43, may now be advanced under the clamp b to be clamped in place during the next writing operation. a

To provide a suitable exit opening beneath the top or writing tablet 6 and to facilitate the withdrawal of record strips therethrough the edge of the box or container 9 is bent slightly outwardly to form a lip it.

If desired, the box or container i may be made of suficient depth to contain two packets of folded record strips comprising forms of difierent character which may be iedin the manner before described from either side bi the register. That is to say, both the top and bottom of the box or container may comprise writing tablets and the arresting and aligning means heretofore described may be provided in duplicate within the box or container whereby a difierent set of forms may be dispensed from each side of the register. In such case, projections or feet 2b are preferably provided upon which the register may be supported in slightly elevated position so that the pressure or weight of the register will not be likely to cause ofisetting of the carbon or transfer material upon the underlying record strips.

-As illustrative of the application of the invention to other forms of strip feeding mechanism or duplicating apparatus, there has been shown in Fig. 8 a carbon shifter apparatus to be mounted upon a writing machine consisting of an upwardly and rearwardly extending frame it, over which superposed record strips are fed from a supply packet 23 to the platen roll 25 of the writing machine. Mounted upon the frame 2i are suitable strip guiding devices and a reciprocatory carbon carrier which, per se, form no part of the present invention but which are fully shown and described in companion application Serial -No. 703,694, to which reference is made.

At the top of the frame 2| there is provided a stationary-plate 25 correspondingto the pallet or plate 8 of the register construction before described. This plate 25 has a rounded margin 26 andisdepressed or ofl'set at 21 to form a channellike recess to receive the actuating spring. Slidingly mounted upon the plate 25 is a reciprocatory plate 28 corresponding to the plate ill before described, urged into advance position by a spring 29 withinthe recess 21 and corresponding to the spring II of the register construction. This arresting and aligning device -mounted at the top of the carbon shifter frame strip engageable with the edge of the writing tablet shall conform closely thereto. of the strip is displaced away from the edge of the writing tablet d or drawn slightly therebeyond, such displacement necessarily tends to retract the guide member iii against the resistance of its spring ii and thereby imposes a tension upon the strip in reverse direction sumcient to draw the first fold of the strip into close conformity with the edge of the writing tablet and thereafter hold it in. such relation so that accurate registry and alignment is insured.

If desired, the guide and arresting member is may be normally spaced slightly more than one form length from the fold engaging edge of the writing tablet whereby such guide and arresting member is slightly retracted against spring tension while engaged with the fold of the strip, to impose thereon a tension in reverse direction sufficient to maintain both the folds in close conformity with the respective fold engaging edges, without, however, causing su mcient strain to disengage the fold from either engagement.

Cross reference is made to copending companion applications, Serial No. 673,207, filed May 27, 1933, Serial No. 677,629, filed June 26, 1933, Serial No. 741,578, filed August 27, 1934, Serial No. 741,579, filed August 27, 1934, and Serial No. 741,580, filed August 27, 1934.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but

i which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

,While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into efiect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended laims. v

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container for a packet of continuous series connected detachable record forms folded into zig-zag forma: tion, and a writing tablet over which successive forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed to receive written inscriptions thereon, a guide means-within the container around which the forms are drawn in their passage from the container to the writing tablet, said guide means including a stationary member. and a superposed movable member the edge of which normally projects beyond the stationary memberfor engage- 2. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container If the fold for a packet'of continuous series connected detachable forms folded into zig-zag formation,

and a writing tablet over which successive forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed 5 to receive thereon written inscriptions, a relatively sharp edged guide member within the container about which the forms are drawn in their passage from the packet onto the writing tablet and engageable in successive folds of the zig-zag forms to temporarily arrest the withdrawal thereof, said engaging member being movable under pulling influence of the forms being withdrawn and a stripper member for disengaging the fold of the forms from the guide member upon retraction thereof.

3. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms, and a writing tablet over which successive forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed to receive written inscriptions thereon, and a pair of parallel relatively offset superposed gude members for the forms located within the container and alternately engaged by the strips, one of which is engageable in succeeding folds of the zig-zag forms in their passage from the packet to the writing tablet to temporarily arrest the withdrawal movement thereof the other of which is engageable with the forms in offset relation with the folds thereof, one of said guide members being movable relative to the other guide under pulling influence of the forms, thereby alternating the engagement of the forms with the respective guide members to automatically disengage a fold of the forms from the engaging guide member. 4. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms, and a writing tablet over which successive forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed to receive written. inscriptions thereon, and a pair of parallel relatively offset superposed guide members for the forms located within the container, one of which is engageable in succeeding folds of the zig-zag forms in their 45 passage from the packet to the writing tablet to temporarily arrest the withdrawal movement thereof, the other of which is engageable with the forms in offset relation with the folds thereof, the engagement of the forms with the respective 50 guide members being automatically reversible under influence of the pulling tension of the forms to effect disengagement of a fold of, the forms fromthe fold engaging guide member.

5. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container 55 for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms, and a writing tablet over which successive forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed to receive written inscriptions thereon, and a pair of parallel relatively offset superposed guide members for the forms located within the container and relatively adjustable under pulling tension upon the forms, one of which is engageable in succeeding folds of the zigzag forms in their passage from the packet to the writing tablet to temporarily arrest the withdrawal movement thereof, the other of which is engageable with the forms inoffset relation with the engaged fold thereof upon relative adjustment of said guide members to automatically ef fect dislodgment of the fold of the forms from the engaging guide member.

6. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container or a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms, and a writing tablet over which suci's cessive forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed to receive written inscriptions thereon, a pair of substantially parallel guide members located within the container alternately engaged by successive forms in their passage from the paclget to the writing tablet, one of said guide members being supported upon and movable relative to the other under influence of-the pulling tension for the forms to alternate the engagement of the forms therewith, one of said guide members being adapted for engagement in succeeding folds of the zigzag forms to temporarily arrest the movement of the forms, the other guide member being non-arresting in character and adapted by its engagement with the forms to automatically effect the disengagement of an engaged fold from the arresting guide member, preparatory to further advance movement of the forms.

'7. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein continuousseries connected detachable forms initi- V ally folded into zig-zag formation are progressively advanced from a source of supply to a writingposition, including a retractable guide member having a relatively sharp edge about which the forms .are reversely drawn and adapted to engage in succeeding folds of the zig-zag forms to temporarily arrest the movement of the forms when predeterminedlengths thereof have been advanced, a spring against the yielding tension of which the guide member is retractable under influence of pulling tension upon the forms to "automatically release the engaged fold, and a relatively stationary member with which the forms engage within the folded portion thereof upon retraction of said movable guide member to thereby dislodge the engaged fold of the forms from the retractable guide member.

8. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein continuous series connected detachable forms, initially folded into zig-zag formation, are progressively advanced from a source of supply to a writing position, including a movable memberhaving an edge about which the forms are reversely drawn and adapted to engage insucceeding folds of the zig-zag forms to temporarily arrest the movement of the forms when predetermined lengths thereof have been advanced, and a stationary non-arresting guide member disposed in parallel offset relationthe form ar'resting edge and also engageabl'rzwithin the fold of the forms, relative to which the said edged member is movable under influence of y pulling strain upon the forms to automatically 9. In a strip dispe sing apparatus for a packet of continuous. series connected detachable formsfolded into zigzag formation, a fixed relatively blunt member and a movable member having a relatively sharp edge about which the forms are reversely drawn in their travel from a source of supply to a writing position, and retractable by pulling tension upon the forms, the edge of said retractable member being adapted to engage in successive folds of the zigzag forms to temporarily arrest the advancement thereof, the relatively blunt member being engageable within the same fold upon retraction of the edged member to automatically dislodge the engaged fold from the form arresting edge upon relative movement of said movable. member, said movable member being actuated by pulling tension upon the forms.

10. In a strip dispensing apparatus for a packet of series connected detachable forms folded into zigzag formation, a container for the packet, a

sprains l tions thereof have been withdrawn, and a guide member reversely disposed in spaced relation with the form engaging edge of the writing tablet about which the forms are also reversely drawn in their travel from the packet to the writing position, said guide member being engageable in the next succeeding fold of the forms simultaneously with the engagement of the edge of the writing tablet in a fold thereof, and tension means for said guide by which the guide is caused to exert a pulling tension on the forms to draw a fold of the forms into close engagement with the said edge of the writing tablet.

11. In a strip dispensing apparatus for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms folded into zig-zag formation two substantially parallel guide members disposed transversely of the path of travel of the forms and about which the forms are reversely drawn from the packet to a writing position, one of said guide members having engagement with successive folds of the zig-zag forms to temporariiy arrest the advancement of the forms when predetermined lengths thereof have been withdrawn, the other guide member being' efiective to automatically dislodge the engaged fold from the arresting guide preparatory" to further advancement of the forms, said guidemembers being alternately en- I gaging member, and spring tension means against gageable with the forms under influence of pulling tension on the forms.

12. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms folded into zig-zagformation, a writing tablet over which withdrawn forms may be reversely folded into writing position. a swing- 4 ing U-shaped frame within the container the transverse portion of which overlies the packet and about which the forms are reversely drawn in their advancement from the packet to writing position, a leaf slidable on said transverse por- 50 tion to a position with its margin projecting therebeyond for engagement with a fold of the zig-zag forms to temporarily arrest the advancement thereof, a spring against the tension of which the leaf is retractable under influence of 55 pulling tension upon the forms and stripper means operative upon retraction of said leaf to effect automatic dislodgment of the engaged form preparatory to further advancement of the forms. I

'13. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms folded into zig-zag formation, a container for the packet, a writing tablet over which withdrawn forms may be reversely folded into writing position, guide means within the container about which the. forms are reversely drawn in their advancement from the packet to writing position, said guide means be-' ing engageablewithin a fold of the zig-zag forms and means also engageable in the same fold of the forms for effecting dislodgment of the fold of the forms from the arresting guide by influence of pulling tension on the forms.

7B- 7 14. Arecord strip dispensing apparatus Whereto temporarily arrest the advancement thereof,

in a zigzag folded strip of record material is advanced through a definite path of travel from a source of supply to a writing position, characterized by a member having an edge engageable in succeeding folds of the strip to temporarily arrest the advancement of the strip, a stripper member engageable in the same fold of the strip to dislodge the fold from the arresting edge, and spring means yieldingly urging one of said members into engagement with the strip placed under tension by pulling tension upon the strip toenable dislodging engagement of the strip of material and the stripper member.

15. A record strip dispensing apparatus wherein a zigzag folded strip of record material is advanced through a definite path of travel from a source of supply to a waiting position, characterized by a member having an edge engageable in succeeding folds of the strip to temporarily arrest the advancement of the strip, a stationary stripper member located in proximate relation thereto, said strip arresting member being movable past the stationary stripper member under influence of pulling tension upon the strip to efiect automatic dislodgement of the engaged fold from the strip arresting member.

16. A record strip dispensing apparatus wherein a zigzag folded strip of material is fed through a definite path of travel. from a source of supply to a writing position, characterized by a pair of relatively movable superposed members one of which has a relatively sharp edge for engagement in a fold of the strip to temporarily arrest the advancement of the strip, the other of which has a relatively blunt strip engaging surface intermittently engageable with the strip for effecting dislodgment oi the" strip from said fold en- 17. A record strip dispensing apparatus where in a zigzag folded strip of material is fed through a definite path of travel from a source of supply to a writing position, characterized by a reciprocatory member and a stationary member past which the strip travels in its advance movement, both of said members being simultaneously engageable in successive reverse folds of the strip to temporarily hold the advanced portion of the strip in writing position, and spring tension means against which the reciprocatory member is movable by pulling tension on the strip to automatically draw the other engaged fold into close conformity with the stationary member,

18.- A strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zigzag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a prescribed path of travel wherein it abruptly reverses its direction vanced portion of the strip in writing position, and

spring tension means tending to further separate the edged member to subject the strip to tension therebetwee'n by which the folds are more closely seated uponthe engaging edges of said members.

19. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zigzag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a prescribed path of 5 travel wherein its direction of extent is abruptly reversed, including relatively spaced guide members about each of which the strip extends in reversedirections and simultaneously engageable in succeeding folds thereof to locate an advanced position of the strip in writing position, one of said guide members being yieldable in relation to the other.

20. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zigzag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing maintain the engaged fold of the strip in closeconformity with the fold engaging member. a

21. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zigzag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a prescribed path of travel wherein its direction of extent is abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet about the margin of which the stripis reversely folded into writing position thereon, and a spring tensioned member engageable with the next succeeding fold of the strip to maintain the first'fold thereof in close conformity with the edge of the writing tablet.

22. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zigzag formation is intermittently advanced from a source of supply to a writing position and temporarily held in each advance position thereof, including a swinging frame, a movable strip engaging member carried thereby and movable independently thereof adapted by its movement independently of the swinging motion of the frame to release the strip for further advance movement, said strip engaging member being automatically movable to release the strip for fur- 4.5 ther advance movement under influence of pulling tension upon the strip.

23. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein superposed record strips apertured at spaced intervals and reversely folded into'zigzag formation are progressively advanced from a source of supply into a writing position and temporarily arrested in predetermined positions of adjustment, a receptacle for a packet of such folded strips from which the strips are to be withdrawn, a writing tablet about the edge of which the withdrawn portions of the strips are to be reversely folded coincident with a preformed fold thereof into writing position upon the writing tablet, a detent means automatically engageable with the strips to temporarily retard the advancement of the strips when a predetermined length thereof has been advanced, a swinging frame upon which the detent means is mounted for shifting movement into and out of engagement with the strips independently of the swinging movement of the frame, the engaged strips being automatically disengageable from said detent under increased pulling tension upon the strips preparatory to further advancement thereof.

24. In a strip dispensing apparatus for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms folded intozigzag formation, a fixed guide and a movable guide simultaneously engageable in succeeding folds of the forms about which the forms are reversely drawn in their travel from a source of supply to a writing position, the movable guide being adapted to engage in successive folds of the zigzag forms to temporarily arrest the advancement thereof, and stripper means effective to automatically dislodge the engaged fold from the movable form arresting guide upon relative movement of said movable guide, said movable guide being actuated by pulling tension upon the forms.

25. A record strip dispensing apparatus wherein a zigzag folded strip of record material is advanced through a definite path of travel from a source of supply to a writing position, characterized by two members having reversely disposed relatlvely adjustable edges simultaneously engageable in succeeding folds of the strip to temporarily hold advanced portions of the strip in writ- ,about the margin of which the strip is reversely folded into writing position thereon with a fold of which the edge of the top engages, and a spring tension member in the opposite end of the apparatus engageable with the next succeeding fold of' the strip to provide means for registering simultaneously at two points in the strip of record material.

27. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zigzag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a prescribed path of travel wherein its direction of extent is twice abruptly reversed, including a top about the margin 'of which the strip is reversely folded into writing position thereon, the edge of which engages in a fold of the strip and a spring tension member in the opposite end of the apparatus engageable with the next succeeding fold of the strip, said top margin and said spring tension member constituting aligning devices for aligning simultaneously at successive points of the record material strip.

28. A strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zigzag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a prescribed path of travel wherein its direction of extent is twice abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet about the margin of which the strip is reversely folded into writing position thereon, the edge of which is engageable in a fold thereof,.and a spring tensioned member in the opposite end of the apparatus engageable with the next succeeding fold of the strip, said writing tablet margin and said spring tension member constituting aligning devices for aligning simultaneously at successive points of the record material strip, and

pins at one end of the writing tablet over which the forms may be held in writing position.

29. Apparatus of the character described having in combination a movably mounted strip aligner around which the strips are adapted to fold and a stripping device stationarily mounted adjacent to the strip aligner engageable within the bight of the folded strip and effective to cause dislodgment of the strips from said aligner upon retractive movement 1. of the latter and tension nected forms reversely folded into zig-zag forma- I means against the yielding resistance of which the aligner is automatically retractable under influence of advance pulling tension upon the strip to automatically release the strip for advance movement.

30. Apparatus of the character described having in combination a reciprocatory detent plate engageable in succeeding folds of a folded strip drawn thereabout and a stationary stripper member located adjacent thereto within the same fold of the strip, past which the engaging edge of the detent plate is withdrawn upon retraction thereof todislodge the strip from the detent plate and tension means against the yielding resistance of which the detent plate is automatically retractable under influence of advance pulling tension upon the strip to automatically release the strip for further advance movement.

31. Apparatus of the character described, having in combination a reciprocatory strip aligner around which the strips are adapted to fold, and a stripper device stationarily mounted adjacent to the strip aligner and engageable within the engaged bight of the strip upon retraction of the aligner to cause disengagement of folds of the strips from the aligner upon movement of the latter and tension means against the yielding resistance of which the aligner is automatically retractable under influence of advance pulling tension upon the strip to automatically release the strip for advance movement.

32. In a strip dispensing device, a container for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms folded into a zigzag formation including a writing tablet/over which withdrawn forms may be reversely folded into writing posi tion thereon, an edge of which is engageable in a fold of the formsto position the forms relative to the writing position, and a strip tensioning device engageable with the next succeeding folds of the forms and exerting retractive irifluence thereon to draw the first mentioned fold into close conformity with the edge of the writing tablet.

33. In a strip dispensing apparatus, a container for a packet of continuous series connected detachable forms folded in zigzag formation from which the forms are progressively Withdrawn into writing position on top of the container, including two relatively spaced relatively adjustable guide portions about which the forms are reversely drawn first in one direction and then in the other, and simultaneously engageable in succeeding folds of the forms and tension means tending to separate the guide "members tions of the strips may be disposed 'in writing position, with the edge of which the initial fold of the strips coincides when the withdrawn portions are in writing position, and strip tensioning means having engagement with the strips within the'container and exerting retractive infiuence thereon to draw said fold into conformity with the edge of the writing tablet.

35. A manifolding register including a container for a packet of continuous series-contion, a writing tablet over which succeeding forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed in writing position, form. engaging means associated with the writing tablet for holding the advance end of a form when in writing position,

and strip tensioning means engageable in a fold of the reversely folded series connected forms for exerting retractive influence upon the forms to maintain the adjusted form tight upon the writing tablet. I

36. A manifolding register including a con tainer for a packet of continuous series-connected forms reversely folded into zig-zag formation, a writing tablet over which succeeding forms withdrawn from the container may be disposed in writing position, form engaging means associated with the writing tablet for holding the advance end of a form when in writing position, and a spring actuated plate engageable in succeeding folds of the series-connected reversely folded forms as the forms are advanced from the container to the writing position and exerting retractive tension thereon in opposition to the form engaging means engaged with the advance end of the positioned form.

37 In a strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zig-zag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a path of travel wherein its directional extension is abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet about the edge of which the strip is to be folded in reverse direction into writing position thereon, a swinging frame, a strip engaging member carried thereby,

said member having a relatively sharp edge engageable in a succeeding fold of the strip, and

a writing position through a path of travel wherein-its directional extension is abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet'about the edge of which the strip is to be folded in reverse direction. into writing position thereon, a swinging frame, a

strip engaging memb'er carried thereby, said member having a relatively sharp edge engageable in a succeeding fold of the strip to maintain the first fold in close conformity with the edge of the writing tablet, said strip engaging member being spaced from said writing tablet edge a distance equal to the length of a strip of record material between two succeeding folds when in operative position. 39. In a strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded into zig-zag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a path of travel wherein its directional extensionis abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet about the edge of which the strip is abruptly turned and which is engageable in a fold thereof to locate a congruous withdrawn portion of the strip in writing position upon the cover, a swinging frame, a strip engaging member carried thereby, said member having a relatively sharp edge engageable in a succeeding fold of the strip to maintain the first fold in close conformity with the edge of the writing tablet.

40. In a strip dispensing apparatus, wherein a strip of record material folded'in zig-zag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a path of travel wherein its directional extension is abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet about the edge of which the strip is abruptly turned and which is engageable in a fold thereof to locate a congruous portion of the strip in Writing position on the cover, and a strip engaging member having a relatively sharp edge engageable in a succeeding fold of, the strip to maintain the first fold in close conformity with the edge of the writing tablet.

41. In a strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded'in zig-zag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a path of travel wherein its directional extension is abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet about the edge of, which the strip is abruptly turned and which is engageable in a fold thereof to locate a congruous portion of the strip in writing position on the cover, and a strip engaging member having a relatively sharp edge engageable in a succeeding fold of the strip, and means tending to move said. strip engaging member to maintain the first fold in close conformity with the Writing tablet.

42, In a strip dispensing apparatus wherein a strip of record material folded in zig-zag formation is advanced from a source of supply to a writing position through a path of travel wherein its directional extension is abruptly reversed, including a writing tablet about the edge of which the strip is abruptly turned and which is engageable in a fold thereof to locate a congruous portion of the strip in writing position on the cover, and a strip engaging member having a relatively sharp edge engageable in a succeeding fold of the strip, and means tending to move said strip engaging memberv to maintain the first fold in close conformity with the edge of the writing tablet, said strip engaging member being spaced from said writing tablet edge a distance equal to the length of a strip of record material between two succeeding folds when in operative position.

43. A manifolding register including a container for a supply packet of. reversely folded super-. posed record strips having an exit opening through which succeeding portions of the strips may be withdrawn, a cover therefor forming a writing tablet over which withdrawn portions of the strips may be drawn into writing position, a reciprocatory detent plate engageable in succeeding folds of the strips to temporarily retard their movement and a swinging carrier therefor mounted in the container and underlying the writing tablet,

JOHN Q. SHERMAN, ALBERT W. METZNER. 

